According to abc news Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt sentenced in child abuse case.
In the glossy world of YouTube, where families share their lives with millions of viewers, the Franke family seemed to have it all. Ruby Franke, alongside her husband Kevin and their six children, portrayed an idyllic image of domestic bliss on their popular channel, “8 Passengers.” But behind the camera lens, a harrowing tale of abuse and manipulation was unfolding.
The saga began to unravel when the youngest son of the Franke family escaped from the home of Ruby’s friend and business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, in Ivins, Utah. As the authorities delved into the case, Kevin Franke found himself thrust into the spotlight, grappling with accusations and painful revelations.
In newly released police interview footage, Kevin Franke recounted his side of the story. He explained that he had not been living with Ruby and the children at the time of the abuse, emphasizing his lack of contact with them for over a year. Despite the turmoil in their relationship, Kevin expressed love and reluctance to incriminate his wife, Ruby.
The investigation uncovered disturbing details of abuse inflicted upon the two youngest children, identified only as R and E for privacy. Initially considered a suspect, Kevin was eventually cleared of any involvement in the abuse. He revealed that he and Ruby had separated two years prior, seeking counseling with Hildebrandt, a licensed therapist, who later pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated child abuse alongside Ruby.
Obtained by ABC News
The dynamics of their relationship took a dark turn when Hildebrandt moved into the Franke family home, blurring boundaries and exacerbating tensions. Detective Jessica Bate revealed that this integration marked a turning point, with Hildebrandt becoming a pervasive presence in their lives, even accompanying them on anniversary dinners.
As the Franke family appeared in videos for ConneXions, Hildebrandt’s life coaching business, Kevin’s absence became conspicuous. His disappearance from the content coincided with his departure from the family home, signaling a fracture in their once-united front.
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In subsequent police interviews, Kevin’s narrative shifted, detailing the psychological torment inflicted by Hildebrandt during therapy sessions. He described it as “psychological hell,” highlighting Hildebrandt’s dominant role in their lives post-separation.
Kevin’s journey took a legal turn as he filed for divorce and sought custody of his four youngest children. In a bid to safeguard their well-being, he filed a restraining order to halt the sale of Hildebrandt’s house, seeking restitution for their ongoing psychological care.
Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated child abuse, receiving sentences of up to 30 years in prison with the possibility of parole. Their fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale, exposing the dark underbelly of online personas and the vulnerability of those caught in their web.
The Franke family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the complexities lurking beneath the surface of curated content, urging viewers to question the narratives presented online. As the dust settles on their shattered facade, the Franke children begin a journey toward healing, their voices finally heard amidst the chaos of betrayal and deceit.